Friday, October 26, 2012

LAURIE BETH ZUCKERMAN'S DIA DE LOS MUERTOS MOURNING ALTAR AT LONGMONT MUSEUM'S DAY OF THE DEAD EXHIBITION 2012

Laurie Beth Zuckerman's Madre Dolorosa mourning altar at the Longmont Museum 
and Cultural Center's 12th Annual Día de los Muertos Exhibition. 
The photos on the wall are my own pictures that I took in Oaxaca, Mexico. 
The photos on the floor are of my parents, Blanche and George Zuckerman.
In case you are wondering, I did not have a choice about the color 
of the pink walls or blue cloth behind the altar.

 Laurie Beth Zuckerman's Madre Dolorosa mourning altar installed at the 
Longmont Museum and Cultural Center's Día de los Muertos 12th Annual Exhibition.
My altar is dedicated to my grandmother and aunt, detailed below in the museum signage.
Below two families visiting the altar during the Family Celebration in October.







Below is a photo of my Madre Dolorosa mourning altar in my studio before the Longmont exhibition. It has taken me nine months to build this altar. I prefer the neutral wall background behind the black objects, even if it is more somber looking. It is a very sad altar, so the bright colors are too cheery for my intentions.


Laurie Beth Zuckerman's Madre Dolorosa 
Day of the Dead altar as it last looked in the studio. 

The Longmont Museum and Cultural Center's 12th Annual "El Dia de los Muertos Exhibition" includes two altars by Laurie Beth Zuckerman. This year I have created a new altar installation, entitled Madre Dolorosa, for the community altar gallery honoring family and friends. My altar is dedicated to my grandmother, Sarah Melnick Zuckerman, and my Aunt Elizabeth. 

Last year I was the Altarista-in-Residence and created a huge installation honoring the folk arts of Mexico, entitled Homage to Old Mexico.

The fiesta opening of "El Dia de los Muertos" was jam-packed on October 4. The family day on October 27 is the next main event. You can visit the exhibition anytime during its daily run from October 5 through November 4.

For more information about the exhibition and all of the programs, visit the Longmont Museum's website below. 

11 comments:

GlorV1 said...

Just excellent Laurie. I sure wish I could be there to see it. Thanks for sharing.

carol l mckenna said...

Laurie ~ what an amazing altar creation ~ very creative and wonder filled ~ Amazing colors! ~ (A Creative Harbor)

Cheryl said...

Wow! These are really fabulous. You gave me an idea for my altar. I like the idea of having little statues or dolls representing my dead relatives instead of photographs.

rebecca said...

thank you laurie for sharing your gorgeous altar so teaming with your love for all things mexico!
i am so moved by your dedication in creating altars over time, waiting for just the right additions to make their way into their rightful place. that you built and painted this is all the most touching.

Jean said...

This is so exciting, Laurie, wish I could be there in person to see it, one of my favorite holidays. Congratulations!

Unknown said...

I will be there! Loved your altar and little market place....hung my pieces today!

Gayle said...

Love these!
Wish I could see them in person. Have a great celebration.

Unknown said...

Was great seeing you last night! What a HUGE crowd...will need to go back to really have time and space to savor it all.

rebecca said...

i can't imagine the wonder of being there in person to take in each element, each offering of love.

Deformutilation said...

This is absolutely breathtaking

Unknown said...

Laurie, this is a stunning altar, i LIKE the pink and turquoise...it gives it an authentic Mexican home altar feeling. I don't think it is too cheery. If anything the colors with the black veils make it sadder. It truly beautiful. kathy